Interview with Uwe Friebe, Manager at ‘Artist MesseService und Bau’ (Paderborn, Germany), one of the first ever beMatrix clients

Uwe Friebe has been working in stand building since 1986 and joined forces with beMatrix in 1996, then still DeltaMatrix. Like no other he masters translating his clients’ requirements into effective stand concepts. Apart from his passion for stand building, Uwe also is a former European champion and world record-holder parachuting and has a penchant for music and travel. 

When did you start using the beMatrix system and when did you get to know about beMatrix?

“The Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum (HNF) in Paderborn, the largest computer museum in the world, was looking for a flexible system to be set up in their exhibition space; a system that was quick to assemble and break down, easy to configure in different ways etc. The beMatrix system ticked all these boxes. That is how we took our first steps with the original frame system with big holes. Back in 1996, the system was still being distributed under the DeltaMatrix brand, but the concept and benefits of the system have not changed since. The number of infills and options however has increased drastically, offering us even more reasons why it stands out from other systems. I am proud I can call myself one of the ‘early adopters’ of beMatrix.” 

Should you want to sell beMatrix to a third party, which USP would you use as a sales argument? 

“Innovation! Key to the success of beMatrix are novelties. Every year, improvements and innovations are launched, much to my enthusiasm. Also, the beMatrix team is very approachable, a great bonus in my opinion. As a customer, each time you are addressed in a very personable way. And then there is the fact the beMatrix system is a frontrunner in quality, compared to other manufacturers.”

What else, apart from the product and service, do you associate with beMatrix? 

“The beMatrix network truly is inspiring. Co-working is part of the DNA. The many training options (Academy, beCAD training...) allow me to enlarge my network and gain know-how about our sector. I always return home with a bucket load of new insights.” 

Over the past years, what do you regard as beMatrix’ most important innovation? 

“That’s easy: the double clamp connector. This is the most successful connector in the beMatrix product range and is being used to connect frames. Thanks to this handy tool, erecting a stand is as easy as 1-2-3: just place the frames next to each other, then attach them using the clamp connector.” 

Which beMatrix stands over the past years are you most happy with and why? 

“Each year we build all the stands at DIAM (Deutsche Fachmesse für Industriearmaturen) in Bochum, Germany. Considering the short timeframe we have to get everything done, the only system we can complete the job of building 3000 m² of individual stands is the beMatrix system, since this frame system excels on so many levels: light in weight, fast to assemble and very functional.” 

How do you see the system evolve over the coming years and what do you think beMatrix should focus on? 

“Hopefully they’ll open a distribution centre in Germany, offering the German market an even more flexible service. No doubt will there be more innovations announced. Me personally, I look forward to additional corner profiles (30°, 45° and flexible).”

Did you know…

Uwe gave beMatrix the idea to launch the green corners?